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Thursday, April 19, 2007

Cilantro-Lover's Leftover Chicken Salad

One of the biggest challenges for anyone who really likes to cook is to develop great recipes out of leftovers. I'm talking about recipes that will transform leftovers into something you'll love to eat: things with completely different flavors than the original dish. For me, one of the biggest leftover challenges is rotisserie chicken. I'm a fan of those Costco rotisserie chickens, which taste great when you take one home on Friday night, but the next day I want that chicken transformed into something else entirely. This recipe is one of my latest creations for leftover rotisserie chicken.

Fans of Weekend Herb Blogging, hosted by Sher of What Did You Eat this week, will notice I've managed to return to cilantro before my reputation got completely tarnished by those rumors that I've been flirting with parsley. Of course cilantro will always be my very favorite herb. I searched for some new information about cilantro, since I've written about it so many times before. Foodreference.com made this observation:

Interestingly, the regions of the world where it is most cherished are not where it originated. Cilantro’s genesis can be traced to the Mediterranean. The Romans spread it to Asia while the Spanish conquistadors introduced it to Mexico and Peru. Subsequently, cilantro is a primary herb in Indian, Asian, and Latin American cuisines while Europeans and Americans have given it a lukewarm reception. Nevertheless it is touted as the world’s most popular herb.

Of course, I know we will never convince some of you of those claims about the popularity of cilantro. No worries, I'm calling this recipe Cilantro-Lover's Salad so people like Sher and myself can have it all to ourselves.

Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in large salad bowl. Cut largest stems from cilantro, then wash and spin dry or dry with paper towels. Coarsely chop cilantro and add to chicken. Add sliced radishes, diagonal sliced snow peas, and sliced green onions.

In small bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil. Stir in Ancho chile powder, salt, and Spike seasoning. Pour dressing over salad and stir gently so greens and chicken are coated with dressing. (If you prefer your salad on the dry side, you may not need all the dressing.) Sprinkle with Aleppo pepper if using, and serve immediately.

This would make a perfect lunch for any phase of the South Beach Diet. If you wanted something more, Spicy Avocado in Pita would be a great addition for phase two or three. Cut-up avocados would be great added to this salad for phase one.

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I have been a bit shocked at the relationship you're developing with parsley! :) Poor cilantro has been quite worried. But, you've returned to your true love with this marvelous salad. I agree with you about leftover chicken. It can be a challenge. But, this is a great way to use it.

I have been reading your blog for the past year or so. Its a great resource for me, and I apply your techniques to my cooking.I love the Costco rotisserie as well, and being an Indian, Cilantro is at the top of my list! One question: How long does the chicken keep well in the fridge? I usually try to use it up in 2-3 days but toss it after that. Any idea if it will freeze ok?Thanks for your blog!Vidisha

Yikes, again I'm seriously neglectful in answering comments. I'm a bit overwhelmed in my life right now, in case it's not obvious. I'm happy so many of my cilantro-loving friends approve of the salad!

Vidishi, I've removed the meat from the chicken and frozen it many times. It's great in something like soup or a casserole. I also freeze the chicken carcass and use it to make chicken stock. I do think that after a few days in the fridge the chicken isn't that great to eat plain, but it's fine for recipes where there's some added flavor.

Thanks for joining the conversation! I love hearing from readers and even though I can't always reply to every comment, I will always answer specific questions on a recipe as soon as possible. Sometimes I'm answering by iPhone, so my replies may be short!

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